Knowledge Answer

Evaluate the use of 'Zinc-Nickel' plating versus 'Zinc Flake' coating for carbon steel spiral rings in automotive chassis applications.

2026-06-16 FAQ

Zinc-Nickel (ZnNi) plating provides superior corrosion resistance (up to $1,000$ hours of salt spray) and is less prone to the 'galvanic cell' effect when used with aluminum housings compared to pure zinc. However, ZnNi is an electrolytic process and carries a high risk of Hydrogen Embrittlement. Zinc Flake (e.g., Geomet or Magni) is a non-electrolytic, '...

Back to Q&A
Official Answer

Answer

Zinc-Nickel (ZnNi) plating provides superior corrosion resistance (up to $1,000$ hours of salt spray) and is less prone to the 'galvanic cell' effect when used with aluminum housings compared to pure zinc. However, ZnNi is an electrolytic process and carries a high risk of Hydrogen Embrittlement. Zinc Flake (e.g., Geomet or Magni) is a non-electrolytic, 'dip-spin' process that virtually eliminates HE risk. For high-strength carbon steel spiral rings (HRC $45+$), Zinc Flake is the preferred choice for automotive chassis components because it provides excellent protection without the need for the rigorous baking cycles required by ZnNi plating.

TOP